Swan Upping, the annual census of the swan population on the River Thames, was announced today by David Barber, The Queen’s Swan Marker.

This year’s Swan Upping will start on Monday 15 July departing from Sunbury, and ends at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on Friday 19 July.
Announcing the dates for Swan Upping, David Barber reported:

“The Thames’ swans are nesting later than usual due to the prolonged cold spring we have experienced this year. The number of cygnets has declined over recent years, primarily due to the spring floods that washed away many nests, and of course there have been several outbreaks of duck virus enteritis which killed many breeding pairs of swans.

Fortunately, the situation is looking more positive this year as we have received many reports of nesting pairs with eggs or cygnets. Late hatching can present its own problems; small cygnets are more susceptible to injuries caused by fishing tackle when the fishing season starts. However the health of cygnets will be assessed during Swan Upping week when they will be examined for any signs of injury and given treatment if necessary.

It is most regrettable that swans and cygnets suffer serious injury or even death as a result of mindless vandalism, dog attacks and injuries sustained by ingesting or being caught in abandoned fishing tackle. The injuries inflicted on swans and cygnets can be horrific and are avoidable. The incidence of dog attacks has increased to the highest level reported and we would ask dog owners to ensure their dogs are kept under control when walking along river banks to avoid attacks on swans and other wildlife.

There have also been reports of mink living on various stretches of the River Thames again, and it would appear their numbers are increasing. Mink pose a serious risk to the mute swan population as they kill young cygnets and destroy eggs.

Education continues to be a significant element of Swan Upping week, offering children the opportunity to see swans and cygnets at close quarters and learn about the conservation work that is undertaken to protect and encourage their numbers on the Thames. Many schools will visit the Swan Uppers at various locations en route where they will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about Swan Upping. During Swan Upping week, several schools will see the new Swan Upping exhibition at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames. The children will have the opportunity to discuss the exhibition with The Queen’s Swan Marker and Swan Warden together with the Swan Markers of the Dyers’ and Vintners’ livery companies during a question and answer session. The exhibition is a very exciting project that will provide an opportunity for many more children to learn about swans, the river and the history associated with Swan Upping.”

Local schools seeking further information about Swan Upping week should contact the Swan Marker's office on +44 (0)1628 523030 or email [email protected].

The observation points and times are as follows (all times given are approximate):

Press Boat
The press boat will depart Shepperton Lock at 10.30 on Monday 15 July, Eton Bridge at 09.00 on Tuesday 16th July and Marlow Bridge at 09.00 on Wednesday 17 July. Media wishing to reserve a place to board the press boat should contact the Swan Marker’s Office on +44 (0)1628 523030 or email [email protected].

Did you know?

In an average year, The Queen receives approximately 60,000 pieces of correspondence. For her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, The Queen received over 120,000 cards, letters and gifts. Most of The Queen's correspondence comes from the UK: on average about 75%. 10% comes from Commonwealth countries and 15% from other overseas countries.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Queen meets thousands of people each year in the UK and overseas. Many people ask how they should greet Her Majesty. The simple answer is that there are no obligatory codes of behaviour - just courtesy.
However, many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.
On…